2024 Camp Maintenance Grant Program Update
General letters of interest due on a rolling basis: January 22, May 6, August 9, or October 18, 2023
Using our learnings from the past several years, Gray Family Foundation will be offering an open application process on a quarterly basis to residential camps serving youth across Oregon to apply for maintenance funds. We will also plan to invite a group of youth residential outdoor camps core to serving the outdoor school community to apply for funds in late 2024. ANY camp is encouraged to contact Gray Family Foundation staff with questions about a maintenance project and ALL camps are encouraged and welcome to apply for an eligible project via an application using the guidance below. You do not need to receive an invitation to apply.
Please find our Application guidance for 2024 here.
Please read the information below and our application guidance for 2024 for information on eligibility of camps and projects. If you have questions about our parameters in applying for funds in 2024, please contact Nell Tessman, Program Officer at Gray Family Foundation staff to discuss your project at ntessman@grayff.org or at 503-552-3511.
Background
John Gray identified the ongoing maintenance of Outdoor School camp facilities as a critical factor in preserving a full range of options for kids to get outside. Since 2014, the Gray Family Foundation has annually invested over $400,000 directly into the improvement of existing facilities at Oregon’s outdoor residential camps throughout the state.
Gray Family Foundation awards grants to those overnight facilities that have maintenance and improvement needs. Priority is given to applicants that host outdoor school programs, are geographically dispersed, and reflect Gray Family Foundation’s values regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Eligibility
We will consider applications submitted by non-profit camp facilities or school, districts, tribal entities, or 501(c)3 non-profit organizations submitting on behalf of an organizational camp in Oregon.
Furthermore, competitive applicants are camp facilities:
• currently hosting 5th/6th grade outdoor school programs or actively working towards becoming a host site for outdoor school programming;
• licensed in the state of Oregon as an organizational camp;
• committed to dedicating staff and volunteer time to the success of the proposal;
• exhibiting expertise in facilities maintenance and an understanding of needs of outdoor school programs;
• demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and accessible camp facilities for students, teachers, and parents from diverse communities and lifestyles; and
• With the ability and willingness to share best practices with peer grantee networks.
The foundation will not fund:
• Capital projects for new construction (i.e. new buildings)
• Purchase of additional property (including vehicles)
• Deficit funding or elimination of operating deficits
• Annual fund appeals or endowment funds
• Religious activities
• Grants or loans to individuals
Any fiscally sponsored projects/organizations should align with the applying organization’s mission. Proposals from faith-based organizations are welcome as long as programs and services do not include the promotion of a singular belief system, are extended to participants beyond the congregation, and provide an environment which is welcoming to and inclusive of all user groups.
To learn more:
- Review our 2024 Application Guidance here
- Call us: 503-944-2144
- E-mail: You can reach out via e-mail to Nell Tessman, Program Officer at ntessman@grayff.org.